A work of art?
A piece of controversial artwork costing taxpayers thousands of dollars has sparked a heated debate among one Victorian council.
The Moreland Mayor has described the artist's work as a "load of rubbish" even though his council paid $7,000 for it.
While there is some support for the public display made from orange plastic safety fencing, many say it's an outrageous waste of taxpayers' money.
Its creator, Tim Craker, said the work aims to create confusion, but instead of achieving its desired effect, the work has left Councillor Oscar Yildiz confused as to why his council gave the project the go-ahead. He argues the project does not constitute art.
"I was livid and embarrassed," he said. "I don't think this is art, I think it's a waste of taxpayers' money."
The council paid more than $7,000 for the work, which has seen mesh wrapped around trees, poles and stuck on buildings in Oak Park shopping centre, but the material only cost the artist a couple of hundred dollars.
Jumping to the defence of his creation, Mr Craker said: "Do you value a work of art by how much the material costs? I don't think so."
Had he found out sooner, Cllr Yildiz said he would have put a stop to the project.
"We're responsible for ratepayers' money and I think on this occasion I don't think it's money well-spent."
The same council has caused controversy in the past with other roadside art, but it's far from alone, with contentious works raising eyebrows around Melbourne for years.
News of the costly artwork could not have come at a worse time, with the council moving to increase rates.
Some councillors are now calling for a complete review of arts spending, with the Mayor vowing to take action.
"Anything more than $5,000 dollars spent on art, I need to be consulted. This reflects badly on the council because we did not know about it. I'll be ensuring this doesn't happen again."
Do you consider this to be art? Leave your comments below.
